Thoko Banda, the son of one of the great conviction politicians the late Aleke Banda, who has been in diplomatic service for a long time, has announced his candidature for the 2014 Presidential Election.

He announced his intentions to run for presidency at Malawi College of Medicine in Blantyre on Monday afternoon.

“Nobody should be asking what party do you support rather what policy do you support. We need a new chapter, we need to start practising politics based on policies.” he said.

Banda asked young Malawians to support his intention to stand for presidency.

“Malawians have the right to insist on a fresh leadership with tangible fresh ideas that have real potential for positively transforming the lives and livelihoods of Malawian citizens. There is a better way forward,” he said.

Thoko Banda: To run for presidency

The presidential hopeful said he has a concrete framework for improving the lives of Malawians who, until today, have been peripheral to government and parliamentary focus..

“I know people will doubt my standpoint. I accept that. It is good to be sceptical to other viewpoints. But I believe I have the right policies the country needs. I pray the nation to join and support,” said the 49 year-old Banda.

Banda said he is deeply worried that the poverty levels are worsening while the depths of public dis­illusionment are deepening in the country.

“While some prefer to resign themselves to more of the same, Thoko Banda insists that Malawians do deserve far better.”

Banda said his new political initiative twill revolutionize the electoral and governance landscape of Malawi – in favor of Malawians.

The former diplomat said he is “just simply another Malawian who believes, passionately, that privileges of wealth and education and global exposure and other fortunes are privileges of solemn responsibility to help provide all other citizens with meaningful opportunities to live in more dignifying socioeconomic circumstances.”

“I am proud to be Aleke Banda’s son and to have learned statesmanship, integrity, humility and industriousness from such a great man, from such a great father. Similarly, I feel deeply humbled that my own father often expressed his pride at his being able to seek and trust my counsel.”

Apart from James Nyondo, Banda becomes the third politician in the country to contest as an independent presidential candidate. Former vice-president Justin Malewezi was the first during the 2004 elections. Both did had miserable results.